What to Do in March 2020: Happenings in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and More
Sometimes, it's hard to decide on what to do with your free time—after all, we live in a world with so many exciting activities across music, art, and food, among other cultural sectors. If you haven't yet figured out what to do in March 2020, good news: we've done it for you. From upcoming art exhibits at The Whitney to Sarah Jessica Parker on Broadway, there's so much going on this month, so you can fully embrace the arrival of daylight savings time by getting out there and enjoying one of many exciting events—no matter where in the country you are. Whether you wind up attending an event on this list or just use it as inspiration for making your own plans, here is a comprehensive list of all the best things to do in March 2020.
Artists to See
Billie Eilish | 'Where Do We Go?' World Tour: After a whirlwind year following the release of her highly acclaimed debut album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? (sweeping all the awards much?), the 18-year-old talent is finally headed on her much-anticipated tour, starting today. She'll be taking her hits around North America this spring before going global this summer, and if you're looking for something to do in March 2020, you can catch her in one of 14 cities (if you find a good resale price, as the tour was quick to sell out. See dates for this month below.
- 3/9 - Miami, FL
- 3/10 - Orlando, FL
- 3/12 - Raleigh, NC
- 3/13 - Philadelphia, PA
- 3/15 - New York City, NY
- 3/16 - Newark, NJ
- 3/18 - Washington, D.C.
- 3/19 - Boston, MA
- 3/20 - Brooklyn, NY
- 3/23 - Detroit, MI
- 3/24 - Chicago, IL
- 3/25 - Indianapolis, IN
- 3/27 - Nashville, TN
- 3/28 - St Louis, MO
Omarion, Bow Wow, Ashanti, Lloyd, Pretty Ricky, and more | 'The Millennium Tour': If you, like most of us, are feeling major nostalgia for the early 2000s as of late, there's no better way to solve that than to see a range of fan favorites from the era in a single concert. See remaining dates below, and get ready to relive some musical memories.
- 3/13 - Raleigh, NC
- 3/14 - Hampton, VA
- 3/20 - Pittsburgh, PA
- 3/21 - Baltimore, MD
- 3/22 - Newark, NJ
- 3/27 - Charlotte, NC
- 3/28 - Nashville, TN
- 3/29 - Memphis, TN
Celine Dion | 'Courage' World Tour: The French-Canadian icon (both for her powerful songs and her fashion looks) released a new album at the end of 2019, and following the end of an eight-year Vegas residency, she is headed around the country to share her latest work. She's already hit up New York and Newark, and with six other cities yet to come before March is out, it's looking to be a busy month of concerts and Dion sightings galore. See the remaining dates below.
- 3/11 - Washington, D.C.
- 3/13 - Pittsburgh, PA
- 3/24 - Denver, CO
- 3/26 - Salt Lake City, UT
- 3/29 + 3/30 - Glendale AZ
- 3/31 - San Diego, CA
Blood Orange tour: Dev Hynes has earned a cult following for his artistic, forward-thinking work under the name Blood Orange, and now's your chance to see him (plus opener Tei-Shi) in a city near you. See the remaining dates below.
- 3/9 and 3/10: Atlanta, GA
- 3/13 - Chicago, IL
- 3/14 - Detroit, MI
- 3/18 - Washington, DC
- 3/20 - New York City, NY
Thundercat tour: Grammy-winning musician Thundercat, who is best known for his work with Kendrick Lamar on To Pimp a Butterfly, is headed all over the country this month just ahead of releasing his new album, It Is What It Is. After stopping in cities around California, the artist has pretty much everywhere else left on his agenda, so catch him at any of the dates below and get excited about having something fun to do in March 2020.
- 3/10 - Phoenix, AZ
- 3/12 - Denver, CO
- 3/13 - Omaha, NE
- 3/14 - Minneapolis, MN
- 3/15 - Chicago, IL
- 3/17 - Detroit, MI
- 3/21 - Boston, MA
- 3/22 - Philadelphia, PA
- 3/24 + 3/25 - New York City, NY
- 3/26 - Knox County, TN
- 3/28 - Silver Spring, MD
- 3/31 - Nashville, TN
Billy Joel tour: Seemingly always on tour, the iconic musician has a couple of concert dates this month, so fans on both the east and west coasts can catch him in March 2020. See upcoming dates below, and don't fret if you live elsewhere—Joel has plenty of other dates coming up throughout the rest of the year.
- 3/14 - Annapolis, MD
- 3/15 - Chandler, AZ
Sudan Archives: Calling all East Coasters craving some LA talent: Brittney Denise Parks, the experimental violinist and singer better known by her stage name Sudan Archives, has a few concert dates coming up. Whether you're already a fan or looking to discover her modern R&B sound by hearing it live, catch one of her last few tour dates below.
- 3/9 - Boston, MA
- 3/11 - Washington, D.C.
- 3/12 - New York, NY
- 3/13 - Philadelphia, PA
Noah Cyrus: Though she first rose to fame as the younger sister of Miley, Noah Cyrus now has a music career all her own. If you're looking to discover some of her latest tracks or hear them live, the artist has an LA show tomorrow night (March 10) at the Roxy Theater, so get your tickets now if you want to attend.
Saint Jhn: The rapper and producer, who has written songs for the likes of Usher, Hoodie Allen, and Kiesza, is currently starting the US leg of his world tour, so if you live on the west coast or in Texas, March 2020 is the time to see him live. See the dates below, and if you live elsewhere in the country, know he's coming your way in April.
- 3/18 - Seattle, WA
- 3/20 - San Francisco, CA
- 3/21 - San Diego, CA
- 3/22 - Santa Ana, CA
- 3/24 - Los Angeles, CA
- 3/29 - Austin, TX
- 3/30 - Dallas, TX
Broadway Shows
The Lehman Trilogy
When: First preview on March 7; Opening night on March 26
Where: Nederlander Theatre in New York City
What: Directed by Sam Mendes (director of the recent Oscar nominee, 1917), The Lehman Trilogy weaves together two centuries of family history. It chronicles the "humble beginnings, outrageous successes, and devastating failure of the financial institution that would ultimately bring the global economy to its knees. It's the story of western capitalism, rendered through the lens of an immigrant family." Sure to rack up some Tony nominations, this play is the perfect thing to do in March 2020 if you're missing awards season.
Mrs. Doubtfire
When: First preview on March 9; Opening Night on April 5
Where: Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York City
What: The film you know and love is now a musical. For those unfamiliar with the story, Mrs. Doubtfire tells the story of Daniel Hillard, who is a struggling and out-of-work actor. After losing custody of his kids, he disguises himself as a Scottish nanny named Euphegenia Doubtfire in an attempt to stay in their lives. If you're a fan of the 1993 film starring Robin Williams or just want to watch a new take on an old classic, this one is for you.
Plaza Suite
When: First preview on March 13; Opening night on April 13
Where: Hudson Theater in New York City
What: Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker return to Broadway together in the classic Neil Simon comedy Plaza Suite. Directed by Tony-winner John Benjamin Hickey, this play is a look at love and marriage in which Broderick and Parker play three couples. If you're interested, make sure you get your tickets quickly, as it's only on Broadway for 17 weeks.
American Buffalo
When: First preview: March 24; Opening night: April 14
Where: Circle in the Square Theater
What: This play stars Tony winner Laurence Fishburne, Oscar winner Sam Rockwell, and Emmy winner Darren Criss, who play "three small-time hustlers [that] want a bigger cut of the American dream." In a story all about loyalty, greed, crime, business, and American values, you won't want to miss seeing three A-list actors at their best.
Art Exhibitions
Agnes Pelton: Desert Transcendentalist
When: 3/13–6/21
Where: Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, NY
What: Agnes Pelton (1881–1961) was a visionary symbolist who depicted spirituality and stillness. She was all about showing a "higher consciousness within the universe" in her work. For the majority of her career, Pelton lived away from the mainstream art world. This exhibition consists of about 45 works, so if you've never heard of Pelton or are unfamiliar with her work, now is your chance to see it for yourself in March 2020 and all spring.
“Creating Icons: How We Remember Women’s Suffrage”
When: 3/6-5/2/2021
Where: National Museum of American History, Washington, D.C.
What: Being that it's Women's History Month, we had to include this art exhibit as an essential item for your March 2020 to-do list. This show marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment recognizing women’s right to vote, commemorating women’s achievements in winning suffrage. Items from the National American Women Suffrage Association (now the League of Women Voters) collection, are featured. Also, materials related to Adelaide Johnson (sculptor of Portrait Monument in the Capitol), Alice Paul and the National Woman’s Party (NWP), and other suffrage and women’s activism collections will be on view.
Glory of Spain: Treasures from the Hispanic Society Museum & Library
When: 3/1-5/25
Where: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, TX
What: This exhibit opening in March 2020 focuses on the art and culture of Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the Philippines, dating from antiquity to the early 20th century. There will be many artifacts on display, such as paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, maps, textiles, porcelains and ceramics, metalwork, and jewelry. Some of the represented artists include Francisco de Goya y Lucientes, El Greco, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Jusepe de Ribera, Diego Velázquez, and Francisco de Zurbarán.
Willi Smith: Street Couture
When: 3/13-10/25
Where: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, New York, NY
What: This is the first museum exhibition devoted to American designer Willi Smith. The exhibition seeks to restore his place in the fashion canon as a groundbreaking cultural producer who laid new roads for fashion before dying suddenly of AIDS-related complications in 1987 at age 39. Willi Smith: Street Couture is named for Smith’s iconic fall 1983 collection, which brought together fashion, video art, and music. The designer sought to "democratize fashion through the intersection of the arts with affordable basics inspired by his diverse audience." Included in the exhibition are more than 150 works by Smith and his collaborators, such as Juan Downey, Dan Friedman, Keith Haring, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, Les Levine, Dianne McIntyre, Nam June Paik, and SITE. Many of the works on view include photography, video, design drawings, garments, patterns, and ephemera- some of which have not been seen in more than 30 years.
Fault Lines: Contemporary Abstraction by Artists from South Asia
When: 3/7-10/5
Where: Alter Gallery in Philadelphia, PA
What: This show is all about the power of a line and will feature six female artists from South Asia. You'll find abstract paintings, sculptures, textiles, and works on paper that embrace and rethink the minimalist approach. The exhibit also explores memory, home, and belonging, making for a contemplative addition to your March 2020 agenda.
Featured Artists:
- Tanya Goel (New Delhi)
- Sheela Gowda (Bhadravati; active Bangalore)
- Priya Ravish Mehra (New Delhi)
- Prabhavathi Meppayil (Najibabad; active Bangalore)
- Nasreen Mohamedi (born Karachi; active Baroda [present-day Vadodara])
- Zarina (Aligarh; active New York)
Cultural Events
Holi In The City
When: 3/7, 3/14, and 3/21
Where: Stage 48 in New York City
What: Holi In The City is a full-body experience to mark spring’s arrival. The event features cash bars, free appetizers, and, most importantly, a powder party with an array of colors. Taking place under an enclosed rooftop at Stage 48, it's a great thing to do in March 2020 if your goal is to welcome spring and have fun with friends and family.
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
When: 3/18-3/22
Where: New Orleans, LA
What: The New Orleans Festival hosts over two dozen restaurants that specialize in fine dining. The weekend also features over 1,000 wines from all over the world. There will even be special wine tasting events. Enjoy a nice glass in the French Quarter and relax in one of Louisiana's most exciting cities.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
When: 3/20-4/12
Where: Washington, D.C.
What: You'll know spring is here when the cherry blossoms appear. Not only can you see all the beautiful cherry blossoms during the festival in D.C., but you can also ride a paddleboat, take a free tour of the cherry blossom trees, and see the Blossom Kite Festival, the National Cherry Blossom Parade, and the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival.
Uncorked: Chicago Wine Festival
When: 3/21
Where: Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, IL
What: Much like at the New Orleans festival, enjoy over 200 wines and champagnes from all over the world in addition to gourmet food vendors, museum exhibits, virtual reality flight simulators, and more in this March 2020 event.
Bay Area Street Food & Craft Beer Festival
When: 3/21
Where: San Jose, CA
What: Here's another food festival, but this time on the west coast and with beer instead of wine. You can have unlimited amounts of craft beer from regional breweries as well as access to the best street food vendors and food trucks. In addition to all the eating and drinking, make sure to stop by the boutique vendors where you can purchase orginal art and other food options. There will also be live music and games, making it a fun activity to do in March 2020.
Performances
Jerry Seinfeld | 'The Seinfeld Live' Tour: If you're a Seinfeld fan, the famous comedian is headed to New York's Beacon Theatre this Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14. The perfect last-minute weekend plans, this March 2020 event is a great opportunity to enjoy a laugh with some friends.
The Fabulously Funny Comedy Festival: For those down south who are looking for a night of comedy, head to this festival on March 28 at The Theatre at Grand Prairie in Grand Prairie, Texas. Featuring Mike Epps, Sommore, Gary Owen, Kountry Wayne, Jess Hilarious, and more, there's sure to be something for everyone at this event.
Celebrations
St. Patrick's Day Parade: Hopefully you have your green clothing together, as St. Patrick's Day is happening next week, March 17. If you're in New York and looking to fully embrace the luck of the Irish, head to St. Patrick's Cathedral to enjoy the parade, which starts at 11 am. Similar events will be happening all around the country, as well.
